Terrence E. Clausen peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 9, 2025, with his daughter by his side. He was 80 years old. Terry married Linda Clausen on December 9, 1967, and was married for 42 years until her passing on October 23, 2009. He was born and raised in North Chicago and graduated from Lane Technical High School. Terry served in the US Air Force. He graduated from Chicago State Teachers College and worked as a Systems Programmer and Computer Security Analyst for Motorola and then Matsushita Electrical Company until he retired.
He is survived by his son, Brian (Colleen) Clausen, daughter, Heather (Heather Haskins) Clausen, and granddaughter, Emery. Terry was cared for by many loving and amazing people who came to know him as the Sweet and Salty Turtle because of his love of turtles. Terry was a self-proclaimed “Energizer bunny” and had a wonderful sense of humor, no matter the physical limitations he had to face. He never met a diet root beer, cheesecake, or any other sweet treat he did not like. He loved watching many sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors, and he often could be heard bemoaning the St. Louis Blues’ lack of defense. He loved watching his granddaughter play sports, including basketball, and enjoyed animals, especially his beloved golden retriever, Tess.
Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, his parents, Edward and Anna Clausen and sister, Elaine Zahakaylo. There will be a graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery in Elgin, Il. on Saturday, March 15th at 10 a.m., officiated by Father David Peck from St. Laurence Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to As Good As Gold-Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx'name=E356588&id=1 or Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden, Il.
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